This weekend temperatures are expected to drop below zero. Below is a list of a couple things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing:
- Double check to make sure the water supply to your outside faucets are shut off;
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. (Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children);
- Let water drip/trickle from faucets. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing;
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If your pipes freeze, here are some things you can try:
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe;
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. (Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device);
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber;
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Stay warm!